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The greatest virtue of Heaven and Earth is the virtue of generating life, which is present everywhere. Among all things, nothing is greater than giving birth to humans. Since pregnancy and childbirth are indeed the beginning of human generation, they are named "Sheng" (Birth/Life). "Sheng" refers to the natural principle of Heaven and Earth, just as eyes see, ears hear, hands hold, and feet walk. It is extremely level and easy, requiring no forcefulness, and thus encountering no difficulties. However, in today's world, difficult childbirth is often heard of. Is it not because human errors have destroyed this heavenly way? How could Heaven use the path of life to kill people? This must certainly not be the case. I reflect that humans are the most spiritual beings; what do they owe to other creatures? The birth of other creatures is never hindered. Therefore, plants and trees crack their shells at the proper time, and ducks and chickens hatch on the appointed day. Do they require any guidance? It is all natural, requiring no forcefulness. Why should humans be different? There was a child with a bone stuck in his throat; despite many methods, it would not come out, causing panic throughout the house. An old woman looked and said there was nothing abnormal. She instructed him to lie quietly and feed him rice gruel. After three days, the bone came out naturally, causing him no pain. From this, one can understand the principle. A bone stuck in the throat is a result of human action, yet it can still be overcome by nature. How much more so for the constant way of Heaven and the ultimate state of nature? The matter is originally easy, but people make it difficult; the matter is originally normal, but people make it strange. No wonder it happens this way. By holding onto this principle and practicing it with discretion, out of a hundred attempts, none failed, and medicines were mostly unnecessary. For this reason, I have worn out my lips and tongue advising my peers, who have trusted me greatly. Over several years, within one county, cases of difficult childbirth have become rare. I only regret that this region cannot be fully covered, so I casually compiled this into a book and had it printed. What benefit can this possibly add to birth itself? I only wish for everyone to follow the blessings of Heaven and not let human interference disrupt them, so that each may achieve their birth smoothly.

The Six-Character Mantra: First, Sleep; Second, Endure Pain; Third, Delay Delivery.
When abdominal pain is first felt, one must first settle one's mind. One must understand that this is an inevitable principle of life and an extremely easy matter, so there is no need to panic. If one feels one wave of pain following another, continuing for five or six waves, gradually becoming tighter and stronger, this indicates that birth is imminent. Only then should one inform others to prepare for assistance. If the pain is slow, it is merely "trial pain" (false labor). One should simply sleep soundly and eat steadily, without moving around. Here, great attention must be paid; this is the first critical juncture and must not be ignored. If trial pain is mistaken for true labor, the error will be complete. At this time, the primary goal is to endure pain. Whether it is trial pain or true labor, one should endure the pain, continue eating and sleeping as usual. When the pain becomes very intense ("ripe"), birth will naturally be easier. Furthermore, distinguishing between trial pain and true labor requires waiting for the pain to last long enough and observing its tightness and slowness. Under no circumstances should one hastily assume the delivery position, rub the waist, or wipe the belly. This is earnestly urged. When standing, stand steadily; when sitting, sit upright. Do not twist the body left and right. Understand that one must take charge here; others cannot do it for you. This concerns your own life and has no interference from others.
At this stage, nourishing the spirit and conserving strength is paramount. Sleeping in bed with closed eyes to nourish the spirit is best. If unable to sleep, get up temporarily, walk slowly while supported, or stand leaning against a table for a moment. If the pain eases slightly, return to bed to sleep. In summary, sleeping is the supreme method. One should sleep on the back to keep the abdomen relaxed, allowing the fetus to move easily. Moreover, when the mother sleeps, the fetus also sleeps, making turning less strenuous. The mother should conserve strength, and the fetus should also conserve strength, to be used at the final moment. Remember this well.
Regardless of whether it is early or late, under no circumstances should one exert effort prematurely. Do not listen to midwives saying the baby's head is already there, leading to premature pushing, which ruins everything. This is the natural law of Heaven and Earth. When the time is right, the baby will naturally push its way out; there is no need to rush. Perhaps fearing the baby lacks strength, if it uses up its energy while turning, it might not be able to exit the birth canal upon arrival. In such cases, a slight effort for one wave can help it emerge smoothly. At this moment, like a ripe melon falling from the vine, Qi and Blood separate, and all joints in the body open simultaneously. It happens naturally, like water filling a channel, without forcefulness. Even the mother does not know how it happened after the baby is born.
Some ask: "One exerts effort during defecation; why not during childbirth?" They do not realize that feces are dead matter requiring human effort. The fetus moves on its own and must be allowed to emerge naturally. Not only is effort unnecessary, but it is strictly forbidden. The fetus sits upright in the womb. When birth approaches, it lowers its head and turns downward. The abdomen is narrow, and external help is difficult. One must let it turn slowly toward the birth canal, head down, feet up, emerging upside down. If one forces effort before the fetus turns, the feet may emerge first, which people find surprising and mistakenly call "Stepping on Lotus Flowers" (breech presentation). If one forces effort before the turn is settled, the fetus may lie horizontally, with one hand emerging first, known as "Seeking Salt" (shoulder presentation). Even if turning downward, if not straight and effort is applied too early, it may lean left or right, getting stuck against the leg bones. These complications arise solely from exerting effort before the time is due. I advise everyone: absolutely do not exert effort. However, this does not mean zero effort. Effort is only needed for the duration of drinking a cup of tea. At other times, do not move randomly. Just as one cannot defecate before the time is right even with effort, so too with childbirth.
Someone asks: "How do we know when this 'cup of tea' period arrives to exert effort?" The answer is: This time is distinctly different. If the fetus truly reaches the birth canal, the joints loosen, the chest sinks, the lower abdomen and waist feel exceptionally heavy, the urge to urinate and defecate arises simultaneously, and sparks flash before the eyes. This is the true time. One should assume the delivery position and exert effort for one wave. Separating mother and child will then be effortless.
Some say: "I dare not fully believe the fetus will push itself out. Did the ancients mention this?" The answer is: Ancient texts summarize the main points and cannot detail every event; later generations must comprehend the principles. Observing "a ripe melon falls from the vine," one knows the fetus pushes itself out. Observing "pulling shoots to help them grow," one understands the harm of mistaking trial pain for true labor. A chick pecks its shell when incubation is complete. Are there magical drugs for induction or skilled hands for midwives? Ancients said some babies are born after three or four years; this is because they refuse to push out. If they refuse, who can force them? If they intend to push out, who can stop them?
Some ask: "Moving an hour early is definitely inadvisable. Is delaying an hour harmful?" The answer is: No harm. If the time is truly right, there is no reason it won't come out. Occasionally, if it doesn't come out, it is because the fetus has exhausted its strength. Let the mother sleep, allowing the fetus to rest in the womb. After resting briefly, it will naturally be born.
Some ask: "If the fetus is at the birth canal and the mother lies down, isn't that obstructive?" The answer is: It is better. If the fetus descends while the mother sits or stands, the fetus hangs upside down, which cannot be sustained. Now, if the mother lies down, the fetus also rests, causing no obstruction. Another says: "What if it causes suffocation?" The answer is: It wasn't suffocating for ten months; why would it now?
Someone asks: "Is enduring pain for too long inadvisable?" The answer is: It is most advisable. I have never heard of a woman suffering difficult childbirth due to 'stealing life' (struggling in fear). Some say it is divine protection, but this is incorrect. It is simply that the fetal qi originates from selfishness (fear of being perceived), forcing the woman to endure pain intensely. When pain becomes unbearable, the baby emerges smoothly. The logic is clear; what is there to doubt?
Some ask: "I have heard not to exert effort. But if excessive effort causes transverse or breech presentation, is there a cure?" The answer is: Yes. Immediately instruct her to sleep, administer a large dose of Jiawei Xionggui Tang (Modified Ligusticum and Angelica Decoction), and gently guide the limbs back into position. Sleep for another night, and birth will occur naturally. Another asks: "What if the limbs cannot be guided back?" The answer is: If she is willing to sleep, there is no case where they cannot be guided back. If at this point she still refuses to sleep, or moves her hands and feet wildly, or takes random prescriptions, I am helpless.